Aboriginal Organizations

Aboriginal Education and Native Studies Resources from David Spencer's Education Paragon

• Connect with Aboriginal elders and educators and join the First Nations, Métis & Inuit Education Association of Ontario formerly the Native Education Association of Ontario Circle (NEAO Circle) and previously The Aboriginal and Environmental Education Circle (AEE Circle). The NEAO Circle was a professional learning and sharing network of educators, teachers, college instructors, university professors, Aboriginal elders and leaders. Through e-mail, they shared First Nation, Metis and Inuit and native studies resources, curriculum and teaching strategies that will help Canadian teachers integrate school curriculum with current cultural, environmental and historical contributions of our Canadian First Nations, Inuit and Metis brothers and sisters.
• Join the First Nations, Métis & Inuit Education Association of Ontario on Facebook.
• See photos and read about past gatherings of The Aboriginal and Environmental Education Circle (AEE Circle).
• Join the First Nation, Metis & Inuit Education Association of Ontario (FNMIEAO) the Ontario Ministry of Education recognized provincial subject association for teachers and educators of First Nation, Metis & Inuit Studies and Native Languages. From 2011 to May 2014, this subject association was previously called the Native Education Association of Ontario (NEAO). Special thanks to Marg Boyle for her three years of leadership, encouragement and support.
• The shortcut to this page is http://aboriginal.davidspencer.ca.

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Aboriginal Organizations

1. Assembly of First Nations (AFN) The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. The AFN represents all citizens regardless of age, gender or place of residence. Learn more.
2. Chiefs of Ontario The Chiefs in Ontario, comprising the 133 First Nations in Ontario, is a political forum and secretariat for collective decision-making, action and advocacy.
3. The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is a nationally incorporated umbrella organization that represents the interests, nationally, of its provincial and territorial affiliate organizations across Canada. Its head office in Ottawa is the center of operations for its elected executive of a National Chief and ViceChief, an administrative core staff, program managers and coordinators, and consultants on a range of Aboriginal issues.
4. Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers is Aboriginal-controlled, community-based and membership driven, and is directed by a national regionally represented volunteer board of elected EDOs representing region of Canada. As a federally registered, non-profit society, CANDO has been instrumental in facilitating partnerships with EDOs, academics, Aboriginal leaders and senior corporate and government representatives. Mission: to build capacity which strengthens Aboriginal economies by providing programs and services to Economic Development Officers and provide a national body to focus on the training, education and networking opportunities necessary to serve their communities and/or organizations as professionals.
5. Defenders of the Land is a network of Indigenous communities and activists in land struggle across Canada, including Elders and youth, women and men, was founded at a historic meeting in Winnipeg from November 12-14, 2008. Defenders is the only organization of its kind in the territory known as Canada - Indigenous-led, free of government or corporate funding, and dedicated to building a fundamental movement for Indigenous rights. We are sovereign nations. We have the inherent right to self-determination. We will determine our own destinies in accordance with our own customs, laws, and traditions - not in a way dictated to us by Canadian and provincial governments, and without interference by these governments.
6. Dufferin County Cultural Resource Circle (DCCRC) is an Indigenous led community with a mandate to create a safe space for the restoration and revival of traditional Indigenous Culture in the Dufferin County area. The DCCRC organizes community building events, educational workshops and spiritual gatherings. They have the guidance of a traditional elder and cultural connectors to shine light along this important path.
7. EFC Council for Aboriginal Ministry Leaders The Aboriginal Ministries Council brings together Aboriginal Christian leaders from various communities across Canada. The Council acts as a bridge between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Church, seeking to provide resources that will enhance communications and enrich the Church as a whole. The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) is the national association of evangelical Christians in Canada. It gathers Evangelicals together for impact, influence and identity in ministry and public witness.
8. Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) is the national Inuit organization in Canada, representing four Inuit regions – Nunatsiavut (Labrador), Nunavik (northern Quebec), Nunavut, and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region in the Northwest Territories.
9. Métis National Council Since 1983, the Métis National Council (MNC) has represented the Métis Nation nationally and internationally. It receives its mandate and direction from the democratically elected leadership of the Métis Nation's governments from Ontario westward. Specifically, the MNC reflects and moves forward on the desires and aspirations of these Métis governments at a national and international level. Overall, the MNC's central goal is to secure a healthy space for the Métis Nation's on-going existence within the Canadian federation.
10. Native Canadian Centre of Toronto Promoting and Fostering better understanding of Aboriginal Culture. Through the Aboriginal Education Outreach Program (AEOP) students are exposed to the teachings and traditions of Indigenous Nations: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. The Program ensures that students get relevant information and a thorough understanding of Native culture and an up close, in person lesson that brings Native people out of the history books and into a contemporary context, moving away from common stereotypes and misconceptions.
11. Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) is one of Canada's National Aboriginal Organizations and represents Aboriginal women, particularly First Nations and Métis women. NWAC has representation in meetings of Canadian leaders and is generally viewed as the national voice representing Aboriginal women in Canada. NWAC was founded in 1974 as an aggregate of 13 Aboriginal women's groups from coast to coast to coast, with the goals of preserving Aboriginal culture, achieving equal opportunity for Aboriginal women, and having a role in shaping legislation relevant to Aboriginal women.
12. Peel Aboriginal Network provides a Social, Cultural, Education and Awareness Network. They build a sense of community for Aboriginal people in Peel and to provide a forum where we can meet, socialize, share, and learn from one another. One of the common interests of our members is to increase awareness about Aboriginal peoples and issues, and to instill pride in Aboriginal children of their heritage. View the Peel Aboriginal Network Facebook page.
13. Peel Aboriginal Steering Committee - PASC Children’s Services of the Region of Peel formed the Peel Aboriginal Steering Committee (PASC) in 2007 in partnership with the Credit River Métis Council, the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Peel Aboriginal Network. PASC raises awareness among Peel residents (both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) about the Aboriginal People’s heritage and culture and they work to support the development of programs for Aboriginal families.
14. The Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association is a provincial organization that represents and provides support to the twenty Aboriginal Friendship Centres located in Alberta.
15. Métis Nation of Ontario
16. The Credit River Metis Council
17. Algonquin First Nation Anishnabe O'datsokewin
18. Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI) aims at empowering and enhancing the lives of Inuit residing in Ontario. Since 1987, TI has been operating in Ottawa as a community-based counselling and resource centre.
19. The Ontario Native Women's Association was established to promote the betterment and equality of Native Women. The Ontario Native Women's Association is a provincial organization founded in 1972 which represents Aboriginal women and their families on matters that effect the political, social, education, economic, and justice issues of our daily lives.
20. Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation
21. Innu Nation
22. Creating Hope SocietyTo engage in a process of reconciliation that will allow Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal caregivers to arive at a new place of understanding child welfare that will end, forever, the historically devastating impacts of child welfare.
23. First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada The executive director is Cindy Blackstock. "We value and promote the holistic knowledge and practices that support the sharing of national First Nations communities to love, respect and nurture First Nations children, young people, families, communities and nations". Mission Statement: "Building Helping Communities"
24. Tungasuvvingat Inuit aims at empowering and enhancing the lives of Inuit residing in Ontario. Since 1987, TI has been operating in Ottawa as a community-based counselling and resource centre. Population distribution of Inuit in Ontario.
25. OSSTF Aboriginal Education Workgroup
26. The Aboriginal Studies Circle was set up in 1995 as special interest group within the British Association for Canadian Studies. Its brief is to further the study of aboriginal-related issues within Canada. It seeks to provide a forum for discussing some of the practical, ethical and intellectual/academic challenges posed by the study of indigenous issues.
27. Trent University Native Association is an student organization run by and for indigenous students.
28. York University Aboriginal Services Provides culturally-appropriate support services to the Aboriginal student population. Liaison, advocacy and referrals to on/off-campus resources.
29. Hamilton Regional Indian Centre (HRIC) is a non-profit organization catering to the needs of the Native People in Hamilton and the surrounding areas. Since 1972, the HRIC has assisted Native People living in the urban environment by sponsoring programs that maintain Native traditions and culture. The HRIC is affiliated with and supported by the “Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres” and the “National Association of Friendship Centres.” They assist through lobbying and providing training. Hamilton, Ontario

Government Departments for Canadian Aboriginals

1. The Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tourism
2. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) supports Aboriginal people (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) and Northerners in their efforts to: improve social well-being and economic prosperity;develop healthier, more sustainable communities and participate more fully in Canada's political, social and economic development - to the benefit of all Canadians. INAC is one of the federal government departments responsible for meeting the Government of Canada's obligations and commitments to First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and for fulfilling the federal government's constitutional responsibilities in the North.
3. Ontario Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs In June 2007, the stand-alone Ontario Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs was created to replace the Ontario Secretariat of Aboriginal Affairs. This was a significant and symbolic step that reflected the importance of developing a stronger, broader partnership with Aboriginal people in Ontario. Located at 160 Bloor Street East, 4th floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M7A 2E6 phone: 416-326-4740

Government Meetings for Aboriginals

1. Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable held in Ottawa on April 19th, 2004 represented an unprecedented opportunity for members of the Federal Cabinet, Senate and House of Commons to engage with Aboriginal leaders from across the country.

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